Specialist Nurses: transforming NHS healthcare

Demand for those working in nursing specialisms, in both agency work and clinical services, is at an all-time high, which makes this the perfect time to highlight the work specialists nurses do, and the difference they make in our multifaceted healthcare system.

What are specialist nurses?

The role of specialist nurses is crucial, with the ability to make a real difference to a patient’s healthcare experience.

Specialist nurses work in a variety of acute and community settings, specialising in a particular area of practice from mental health to district nursing, typical specialisms include: theatre, ITU, A&E, community and in particular, RGN. Regardless of the specialism, there is one sole purpose: to provide patient-centered care. This care can be given in a variety of different forms including education, increased appointment time, empowerment, guidance and general wellbeing support.

Invaluable time with patients

Healthcare professionals have very busy schedules, with patients needing diagnosis, care and response to their health issues. The pressure is especially true for GP’s as they work against a patient consultation target rate, which means appointments are often limited to 10-minute slots. Unfortunately, without more doctors joining the system, that allocated time slot won’t change.

Research reveals that the more time spent with patients the better the patient outcome, fewer complications, fewer hospitalisations and better overall patient health. This is where the role of a specialist nurse can really come into its own as a big part of their day to day duties is providing additional clinical time with patients to ensure they get the best possible outcome when it comes to their health problems.

Personalised care

Every person is unique with a different DNA makeup and with such varying lifestyles and environmental differences – the NHS needs to move away from a one size fits all approach when it comes to the care and treatment of patients.

Fairly new to modern medicine, specialist nurses have the opportunity to tailor a personalised care plan for each patient to ensure an accurate diagnosis is always made with the most effective interventions to improve health whether that is through medicine, lifestyle choices or diet changes.

Improved career development

Nurses form the largest group within the NHS and they are absolutely crucial to its success. They have the experience, skills and knowledge to work in every sort of healthcare setting from A&E, schools, residential care homes to the wider community.

The opportunity to become a specialist nurse allows this skilled group to pursue a specialty that they’re passionate about, providing them with a foundation to enhance both their knowledge and skills. Their unique knowledge also paves the way for a salary increase.

Once a nurse has gained more experience, either within a general or specialised role, they can earn up to £37,890 and if they want to go one step further and obtain a Master’s to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, they can earn up to £44,503, Head Nurses can see up to £51,668 and finally, Consultant Nurses up to £104,927.

Not only do specialist nurses allow individuals to personally prosper, but it also improves employee retention in hospitals because nurses are getting the most out of their role, transforming patients’ lives and getting a salary they truly deserve.

If specialist nursing has caught your eye and it may be a good time to find out exactly how you get into the profession.

Any questions? Email us at marketing@id-medical.com.

ID Medical works with over 95% of NHS Trusts – and in the last 3 years with 100% of Trusts – helping both domestic and international doctors and nurses secure their dream NHS post.

Got a question about working for our amazing National Health Service? Or are you a domestic or international doctor or nurse who’s looking to join the NHS and would like our support with securing NHS interviews? We can support with:

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